Once upon a time, your rug served a very utilitarian purpose: To keep your cold, hardwood floor warm. But my, how times have changed. Today, we’re seeing rugs everywhere—and we mean everywhere. They’re in our kitchens, hung up like pseudo-tapestries, and slung over chairs to create a cool, effortless vibe. Rugs always had the power to make a statement, but they’re now a bonafide design moment. So how are you supposed to decorate with ’em when there are no rules?

To buy new or not to buy new? That is the question. When it comes to decorating your space, both brand-new and pre-owned pieces have their perks. While you’re often able to get the most bang for your buck with older items, new furniture and accessories make it easy to embrace the newest trends. For many, using old and new pieces is a medium. After all, how cool will an au courant curvy sofa look with your Grandma’s old Persian rug?

Move over, shelfies; there’s a new trend in town. At Apartment Therapy, we spend a lot of our time talking about how to make your kitchen a more beautiful place. How to make a statement with your backsplash. How to spruce up your kitchen floors with a runner. But how to beautify your pantry? Not so much. When it comes to design, the pantry is really a forgotten spot. Sure, there are plenty of pantries organized to perfection, but a beautiful design has never been a huge priority.

We’re not going to sugarcoat it for you: The winter blues are a very real thing. There’s something about the cold weather and minimal sunlight that makes us want to curl up in our beds and watch Netflix until spring. Okay, it’s not entirely a bad thing. As design enthusiasts, we genuinely love hanging out in our own space. But feeling sleepy or sluggish? Um, no thank you.

They say money can’t buy you love, but it can buy you some great design. Whether your churn out a D.I.Y. project or buy the finest piece at a fancy, shmancy design show, you’ll always spend some money on your furniture and accessories. The question is, how much do you want to spend? At Apartment Therapy, we’ve already shared the items you should never, ever skimp on, but what about the products you can buy on a budget?

*Adds to cart*

Step aside, straight lines; in 2019, and it’s all about embracing your curves. Over the past few months, we’ve seen design blogs, stylish furniture designers, and cool spaces like the Wing ditch the boxy furniture for hip pieces with rounded edges—and we are so here for it. Don’t get us wrong: We love furniture and accessories of all shapes. However, curvy pieces energize a room in a way their square counterparts can’t.

Unless you have a floor-to-ceiling mirror that takes up an entire wall, you probably overlook all the mirrors in your home. Sure, you peer into ’em to evaluate your outfit, check your makeup, and remove the remnants of this morning’s breakfast from your teeth, but rarely take the time to ogle at all their intricate details. In most spaces, mirrors are more of a practical accessory and less of a design moment. Until now, that is.

We need to talk about your clutter. No, not the dirty dishes in your sink or your unmade bed (that’s a mess); we’re talking about the loose papers on the kitchen counter, the knick-knacks taking over your bookshelf, and all those storage bins occupying important floor space. You know, clutter. Turns out, your clutter can do a lot more than cramp your space’s style. Research shows cluttered areas can make it difficult to focus. Ugh.

A room-by-room guide to making the most of your space.

Where has the year gone? It feels like just yesterday we were basking in the hot summer sun, but now we’re bundled up in winter clothes and gearing up for a new year. But there are a couple things to do before we ring in 2019. We have to set our (and our home’s) New Year’s resolutions, for starters. But we also have to buy a calendar for the 12 months ahead. We know what you’re thinking: “A calendar?

Once upon a time, the space underneath our bed was a scary space. As kids, we were often terrified that a monster or zombie was down there, waiting for us to fall asleep to crawl out of hiding. Today, something scarier is occupying that space: Clutter. Yes, we’re talking about winter boots, old magazines—you name it, it’s probably down there. The space underneath your bed is a great place to store items you may not use regularly, but organization is key.

If you compulsively follow #TinyHouse and #TinyLiving on social media or consider yourself a full-fledged follower of the Tiny House Movement, it can be easy to forget that tiny houses aren’t just a social media phenomenon. It can be hard to remember that people actually live in these teeny, tiny spaces. Truth is, it can be a wonderful way to have the house of your dreams—without spending a fortune. Of course, tiny houses aren’t all Instagram likes and easy, breezy living.

It’s time to ditch this classic living room item.

These are the bedroom trends that are seriously past their prime.

Attention shoppers: One of your favorite stores is adding home decor to its roster. From megawatt retailers like Amazon and Target, to direct-to-consumer companies, to small boutiques, design enthusiasts are in no shortage of places to find beautiful furniture and accessories. Still, we’re always craving somewhere new to shop. Over the past few years, big fashion brands like Gucci and the Elder Statesman have released equally stunning home decor collections. Now, J.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a minimalist or maximalist, if you live in a tiny studio or sprawling mansion, everyone wants their house to feel cozy. What’s the alternative? Stale, sterile, and boring? Um, no thank you. While one of the secrets to a cozy home is creating a warm and welcoming environment for your guests, there are also several design tricks you can do to give your space an inviting, relaxing vibe.

If the slew of corny but bingeable holiday movies have taught us anything, it’s that it is always better to give than receive. Sure, we all want to receive something shiny and new (who doesn’t?); however, it’s also incredibly satisfying to see the look on a loved one’s face when they open a present they really adore. Of course, the same sentiment applies giving to charities. There’s no better time than the holidays to donate to charities that resonate with you.

I have a confession to make: I’m low-key obsessed with candles. Maybe it’s the delicious scents or the gorgeous glow, but there’s something instantaneously soothing about lighting a candle. Not only do I have one burning virtually 24/7 (when I’m home, that is), but I also have an entire cabinet solely dedicated to candles. Think they’re a lame or impersonal present? I’d happily take ’em off your hands! (Kidding… ish.

Let’s get one thing straight: You don’t need a huge budget to have a great eye for design. Sure, it would be nice to have the latest (and priciest) pieces from Paris or Milan; however, there’s something satisfying about searching high and low for a great deal. Plus, how cool is it when all your friends are fawning over an ottoman or throw blanket when you know you got it for next to nothing. Of course, we’re not the only ones who love some cheap thrills.

The seven deadly sins of living room decorating—and how to fix ‘em.

The most wonderful time of the year is finally here! And with all the holiday cheers comes a major dilemma: What the heck are you supposed to get your loved ones? In a perfect world, you’d spare no expense to get fabulous, personalized presents for your friends and family. Maybe you’d spring for a monogrammed cashmere blanket or tickets to see their favorite band. But in reality? You’re working with a tight timeline and an even tighter budget.

No, you’re not the only one who is buying everything non-toxic, locally sourced, and vegan nowadays. As more reports share how different products and materials wreak havoc on the environment (and our health!), we all want to minimize our carbon footprint. We buy clean beauty and ethically-made clothes, so why should our home decor be any different? Fortunately, there are plenty of awesome design brands that are equally stylish and sustainable.

It happens like clockwork, doesn’t it? Right when you think the year is just getting started, a bunch of paint and color companies unveil their Color of the Year, the one hue they think will reign supreme the following year. Of course these shades aren’t a simple as “yellow” or “teal.” They tend to have very descriptive, nuanced names like “sunflower yellow” or “Bermuda sea aqua.

When I moved into my apartment almost five years ago, one of the biggest perks of my new space was its small, private balcony. It’s only large enough to fit a small table and two chairs, but I felt like I found a real estate diamond in the rough. Finding an affordable apartment in Manhattan with some private outdoor space is about as rare as a couple on “House Hunters” saying they don’t want an open floor plan and hardwood floors.

Get ready to make your list (and check it twice!): The holidays are just around the corner. And when better to save big on your holiday shopping than Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Unlike those big advertisements suggest, both days have a lot more to offer than flat-screen televisions, stereos, and smart home appliances. Truth is, there are plenty of great deals on home decor to be had too.

New year, new you. Once January 1 rolls around, we all make these grand resolutions to make ourselves healthier, more positive, more productive, and all-around better people. We buy a fancy gym membership. We forgo our favorite takeout spot in favor of a healthy, home-cooked meal. We even promise ourselves to not hit the snooze button more than once (okay, twice). We commit to bettering ourselves—and rightfully so—but what about our homes?

Are you kind of over mid-century modern design? Do you roll your eyes whenever you spot a knock-off Eames dining chair or faux Saarinen tulip table? Do you look at your MCM couch with a tinge of disdain, wishing you could redesign your space? It’s okay, you’re not alone. If I’m being totally honest, I too am tired of the MCM madness. Don’t get me wrong, I love the aesthetic; however, the style is becoming too ubiquitous that it no longer feels special.

Don’t get mad, but we’re kind of over millennial pink. Make no mistake, we were all about the hue when it first burst onto the design scene a few years ago. Part bubblegum pink, part salmon, it was once the coolest way to embrace your feminine side. But now? It feels, well, overplayed. While there are still some ways to make millennial pink look and feel cool again (hint: try pairing it with red!), we’re itching for a new “it” color.

I said “Brrr, it’s cold in here.”

Towels may serve a strictly utilitarian purpose—to dry you off after a shower, swim, or long bath—but, trust us, they’re far from basic. Truth is, choosing the right towel for your lifestyle and space can add a luxurious, spa-like quality to your standard bathroom. That’s why some people are willing to shell out the big bucks for ’em. (Need proof? Here are 14 bath towels that will rock your world!

There’s a reason I’ve been living in the same apartment for nearly five years. My studio apartment is in a great location, has plenty of storage for all my stuff (read: two closets!), and even boasts a cute outdoor space, which I admittedly don’t use as much as I should. I love my apartment, but of course, no home is perfect. My space has a bulky, built-in media center and a mini fridge instead of a full-sized one (really).

Oh Command strips, where would we be without you? The perfect combination of strong and sticky, these little tabs are a mainstay in most people’s junk drawers. Like many of you, I’ve been a hardcore Command strips fan for years. Back in college, I would use ’em to hang everything from frames, to long mirrors, to that ubiquitous poster of Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

You don’t need to be an interiors expert to be familiar with mid-century modern design. Even if you can’t spot its signature clean lines and minimal details from a mile away, most stores have products that are blatantly labeled “mid-century inspired.” The mid-century modern movement first broke onto the design scene over 50 years ago and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Living in a small space sometimes isn’t as fun as all those Instagrammable tiny houses make it look. With square footage at a premium, smaller apartments and houses come with their unique hurdles that make it challenging to decorate your space. Where are you supposed to put all your clothes? How do you fit an entire dining room into an area that’s as big as most people’s closets?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Amazon has a bunch of home decor pieces that look expensive, but are ridiculously affordable. It’s not that surprising, right? After all, you can buy just about everything (and we mean everything) at the mega-retailer—and usually for a low, fair price. Of course, we’re not the only ones who think Amazon is a decorating enthusiast’s paradise.

If you opened this story, chances are you’ve at least considered becoming a plant parent. Honestly, what’s there to think about? After all, 2018 is all about that plant life. Not convinced? Just check out our Instagram account @iplanteven. Not only are plants a great way to breathe some much-needed life into your home, many species can improve your space’s air quality. Pretty cool, huh? But with great (flower) power comes great responsibility.

It’s no secret that the Apartment Therapy team loves IKEA. After all, where else can you buy sleek, Scandinavian furniture and accessories at an affordable price? Ikea might be known for its iconic pieces—the PAX wardrobe and the BESTÅ line certainly come to mind—but did you know the store has plenty of seasonal items too? To get you—and your home—into the autumn spirit, here are 10 IKEA pieces that basically scream fall.

As far as we’re concerned, podcasts are the gifts that keep on giving. Not only do they make the most grueling parts of your day—think: morning commute, late-night workout, and folding your laundry—more bearable, they’ll teach you something new in the process. Plus, many podcasts have dedicated online communities, which means you’re able to connect with like-minded people.

Unless you just moved into your home—and purchased brand-new pieces to fill it with—you’ve probably had your furniture for a long, looong time. Your rug dates back to your college days, your mattress has lasted longer than most of your relationships, and you don’t even want to think about how many hours you’ve spent binge-watching TV on your couch. Once you’ve found a piece that fits with your space, aesthetic, and budget, you never want to let it go.

Autumn's never looked so good.

Because sometimes, the best things come in small packages.

When you picture your dream house, chances are it features a big, beautiful closet. You know, kind of like Mariah Carey’s wardrobe in her iconic episode of MTV’s “Cribs.” Or maybe like Cher Horowitz’s, complete with a computer that puts together great outfits for you. Or maybe it has a rotating shoe cupboard like Goldie Hawn’s closet did in “Overboard.” You get the picture, right?

Is it just us, or are pops of color officially played out? Make no mistake, we love a good use of color as much as the next design lover. But when every single room has a pop of color, the styling tactic feels, well, dull. If you’re looking for an alternative, you may want to consider tone-on-tone decorating. Turns out, using one color throughout your space is unexpected, impactful, and totally Instagrammable.

ICYMI: A perfectly manicured dining room is so, so yesterday. We’ve all seen those uniform dining rooms in movies and catalogs. You know, with the long wooden table, matched chairs, and carefully curated China? They’re stately, regal, and, if we’re being totally honest, a little stale. You feel obligated to sit up straight, put your napkin on your lap, and use the correct fork for each course. Alternatively, a more eclectic dining room immediately feels cozier.

Simple silhouettes, minimal hardware, and pared-down color palettes. Let’s face it, most design enthusiasts can spot a modern piece from a mile away. (Psst… we broke down the difference between minimalist, modern, and contemporary, if you’re not up to date!) In 2018, almost every store has a slew of furniture and accessories that are inspired by mid-century modern classics—and for good reason. The style is contemporary, timeless, and looks good in virtually any space.

Chunky sweaters, warm apple cider, and crisp, colorful leaves—what’s not to love about fall? Well, the decorations for starters. Don’t get us wrong: We love autumn as much as the next person, but the season is often associated with really, really cheesy decor. We’re talking about inflated ghosts and goblins in the front yard, garland covered in fake leaves, and mugs, throw pillows, and coasters declaring one’s love for pumpkin spice lattes.

Yves Saint Laurent famously said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Sure, trends come and go, but they’re pretty important to fashion, art, music, and, of course, design. Keeping up with trends not only allows you to see society through a beautiful, artful lens, it can help you gain a better understanding of a designer’s inspiration. Plus, bringing the biggest trends to your home will keep your space relevant and Insta-worthy. What’s in store for fall?